OSTERVILLE – The Hyannis business community came together last week for the 34th Annual Dinner and Meeting of the Greater Hyannis Chamber of Commerce.
The organization’s leaders reviewed the past 12 months of economic activity and looked ahead to the coming year.
Chamber President and CEO Jessica Sylver said some of the highlights from 2016 included the annual Father’s Day Car Show, which attracted 80,000 people to downtown Hyannis.
“With 700-plus members, we are a very powerful voice for business in our community,” Sylver said at the event hosted by the Oyster Harbors Yacht Club in Osterville.
She also cited their vintage motorcycle show, annual golf tournament and Harvest Run/Walk that helps collect food for teens in need.
Sylver said the organization lobbied for increases in the local tourism grant and worked on improving the homeless situation in the village.
They also previewed a new video that will be used to promote tourism in Hyannis.
Outgoing Chair Sheryl Walsh challenged the membership to “come forward and make a difference.” She said a lot of time and effort has been spent to change perceptions of Hyannis.
“We work here, we live here, we’re making a living here, and we can make a difference here,” Walsh said.
Incoming Chair Brenna Sullivan said the chamber’s membership is a key segment of Cape Cod’s economy.
“The members of this organization make up some of the most important economic drivers on Cape Cod, leading the region in business, the environment and social service,” said Sullivan.
The crowd also got an update on plans for a new performing arts center that would be built on the golf course next to the Resort and Conference Center.
Brian Griffin of Rockland Trust was named the Patrick M. Butler Citizen of the Year, Embargo in Hyannis was recognized as Business of the Year, and retiring Hyannis Fire Chief Harold Brunelle was honored with the Henry C. Farnum Unsung Hero Award.
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